Messenger Held on Fund Charge

December 20, 1934

Magistrate Overton Harris yesterday held Irving Miller, messenger for the Gates of Mercy Center, summoned on charges of soliciting funds without a permit, under $500 bail pending hearing in Yorkville Court Friday morning. Miller was served with a summons last Saturday.

Miller was hailed to court by the Department of Public Welfare after he had appeared with Abraham Wassik, 11, at the home of Harry Fletcher, 135 Fifth avenue, and asked for an overcoat for the child.

The Gates of Mercy Center claims it does not need a permit as it is a religious institution. Both Abraham and his mother, who appealed to the Center for aid, will appear in court Friday in behalf of Miller.

This afternoon Magistrate Benjamin Greenspan will hear the case of Harry Slotkin, who was served with a summons on a similar charge two weeks ago while acting as a messenger for the Gates of Mercy.